TU-95’s are obsolete prop driven aircraft , they have modern jet bombers , similar to our own . Probably happens much more than is reported , it was just the fact that it was the 4th . International airspace is free to all , we do the same thing , as long as nobody’s national airspace is violated , its a game , nothing that has not been going on for decades . They must be hard up for news . Look at it as more herding of the sheep ( the American people ) , got to keep Uncle Scam’s political goals fresh in everybody’s mind , that way nobody will question any actions the politicians take , herding of the sheep , and the media is the sheep dog . Just Sayin
I had a buddy that was in the Air Force , stationed in Germany during the cold war , he told me that we would send up 3 fighters grouped very close together , headed towards the then Soviet Union , because they gave off the same radar signature as a B-52 , then turn back at the last minute , just to watch the Russians scramble fighters ……………this sort of thing is not newsworthy , its for propaganda purposes .

Seems like a pretty stupid bit of saber rattling.
Even by russkie stadards.

Lets see how asinine a decision we can make, lets send a bunch of obsolete planes that any third world excrement hole could have gotten ahold of to test the airspace of a country already on terrorist alert.

That rates right up there with checking the gas level of a car using a match as your light source.

I can just see how that conversation went, hey Yuri you nust have really screwed up this time, Vlady has ordered a probe in the old junkers and the bosses decided you need to be the pilot. Which commisars daughter was that?

While an Air Force crewman during the Vietnam War, I had the opportunity to have our transport plane trailed by Russians. They would get very close, wave to us, or give us the one finger salute and roar off. I suspect this has gone on since the militaries of the world got airplanes.

Thought it was hysterical that they sent the old prop jobs. Whirl I think you right. Someone needed to be punished for something. Besides, does anyone think their top line pilots were flying these birds?

Roadracer,
the old “Bear” bombers are still used by the modern Federation Air Force , but not as a bomber role that they were intended for . They are used more as sub chasers , meteorologic missions , and gathering other data for the military ……..most of it mundane . They are very dependable aircraft , which is why they are still in service , but just not as much in the combat role they were originally designed for . Because it was designed as heavy bomber , its able to easily carry a decent amount of other equipment , and makes a good platform for other uses . Robin , yes old prop jobs can kill you as easily as any jet …………but only if your fighting an enemy with no Air Force , they are quite obsolete , and very easy to shoot down by a modern nation . I suppose some could get through if they had enough fighter escort . This flight was most likely just for sh*ts & giggles . Contrary to propaganda belief , Russians do have a sense of humor .

Meanwhile, as China and Russia thumb their noses at us (whether in jest or not), our govt is cutting another 30,000+ troops from the Armed Forces. In November, he will cut another huge chunk. Leaving–for one–Elmendorff AFB near Anchorage Alaska with a skeleton crew of only 1000 total people (including cooks, secretaries etc). They are the closest major AFB to Russia, China etc… Does this emanate a foul odor to anyone???

Ron Paul suggested cutting the military to a strictly defensive role , considering how it has been used by past administrations , it also seems a good idea …………..we simply cant afford world policeman anymore , as well as questionable use outside the Constitution . My issue is that there are plenty of ways to keep America safe , and stay within the Constitution , they are just not put itno practice , or have been bungled to the point that they have to send in the military to clean up . For one , there used to be immigration quotas in this nation , some people were simply not let in and turned around , another thing that could be done is not allow any person into this country , for ANY reason , even tourism , if they come from a nation that has or currently does harbor or support Islamic extremists …….including “allies” like Saudi Arabia . Other things as well .